The Department of City Planning (DCP) proposes zoning map changes for 36 blocks in the northeast Bronx neighborhood of Olinville in Community District 12. The proposed zoning would preserve the area’s lower density residential character, and promote new development in keeping with the scale of the surrounding neighborhood. In addition, DCP is proposing a zoning text amendment establishing a new citywide R5A district to address the unique detached housing stock found within this neighborhood.

Background
The Olinville rezoning study area is located in the southwestern portion of Community District 12, and includes areas between the Bronx River and White Plains Road from East 219 th Street to Adee Avenue, together with an area to the south and east of Gun Hill Houses and Evander Childs High School. Olinville is served by several local bus lines, express bus service to Manhattan and the #2 and #5 subway lines which stop along White Plains Road.

The area’s development patterns, although varied, are characterized by distinct enclaves of detached, semi-detached, and attached residential buildings, as well as a smaller number of mid and high-rise apartment buildings. However, the height and density of existing housing is generally lower than is permitted under the current zoning. Clusters of one- and two-family homes are prevalent in many parts of Olinville and few buildings are higher than 70 feet, even in the more densely developed portions of the neighborhood. The proposed rezonings aim to address this zoning mis-match by ensuring that new development is of a density and scale compatible with the low-rise/low-density character of this community.

Much of Olinville is developed with large detached homes.
These are located on Olinville Avenue between 216th and 219th Streets.

Example of out of context development in the proposed R5A district at Olinville Avenue and Lester Street.

At the request of Community Board 12, local civic associations and the Borough President’s Office, DCP undertook this zoning study to respond to out-of-scale development and community concerns about its potential effect on parking availability and local service capacity.

Public Review
On August 22, 2005, the Department of City Planning certified the ULURP application (C 060084 ZMX) for the proposed zoning map amendments, beginning the formal public review process. The application was sent to Community Board 12 for a 60-day review period, together with the application (N 060083 ZRY) for the establishment of the proposed R5A district. On September 22, CB 12 voted in favor of the application by a vote of 29-0. The Bronx Borough President recommended approval of the application on October 27, 2005. The City Planning Commission held a public hearing on the application on November 2, 2005, and approved the application on November 16, 2005. (Read the CPC Reports). On December 8, 2005, the City Council adopted the zoning changes which are now in effect.

For more information, contact the Bronx Office of the Department of City Planning at (718) 220-8500.